Kao supports FSC with sustainable materials pledge

Making the announcement at the Post 2020 Procurement of Sustainable Forest Resources Press Conference, sponsored by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Japan on 2nd July, Kao has committed to procuring FSC certified materials.

Along with six other Japanese names, this pledge will form of part of Kao’s wider efforts to procure sustainable forest resources.

The FSC is a global forest certification system, established to implement sustainable efforts towards responsible forest management around the globe.

In partnership with the international non-profit company, Kao has announced its plans to increase its environmental protection efforts and entering the FSC certified procurement declaration.  

Sustainability initiatives ​

Kao has released its Sustainable Paper and Pulp Procurement Guidelines​, stating that the company is committed to changing the paper and pulp used in its consumer products, packaging and office paper. It aims to replace these with recycled or sustainably sourced versions by 2020.

This forms part of a number of initiatives the company is involved in as it works towards the sustainable procurement of raw materials as it strives to supply a sustained society.

Based on a survey of Kao's paper and corrugated boxes suppliers, Kao first introduced the use of Japan’s first corrugated boxes in March 2016, which were certified by FSC, the cosmetics name revealed in a recent press release. Forest certification is given to paper, pulp, corrugated boxes, etc., using properly managed forest resources by the FSC.

2020 goals​

With over 20 household names, Kao will now plough its efforts into meeting its objectives set out in its FSC certified procurement declaration 2020.

As it aims to “ensure a sustainable future and responsible use of natural resources as stated in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”,​ first, Kao will set specific targets for producing FSC certified raw materials and products for forest resources such as timber, paper and pulp, cardboard, containers and packaging paper by 2020.

Along with reaching its 2020 target, it hopes to “become industry leaders”​ to help make the selection of FSC-certified sustainable forest raw materials and products become the norm from 2020. 

Kao also plans to raise awareness and provide information to consumers to encourage them to choose products with the FSC logo on to achieve SDG number 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, and number 15 on Life on Land by 2030.

By 2020, Kao aims to only purchase recycled paper or sustainably sourced paper and pulp for use in its consumer products, packaging and office paper.